Legends

Legendary rappers come together for the first time …

by Najja Parker, Jet

When you think of Chicago rappers, Kanye, Common and Lupe probably come to mind. But what do you know about the Chi-Town hip-hop legends? De’Andre Hawthorne and D. Coney, best known as Blaq Ice and Jay the Magnificent One, put their heads together to organize the first-ever Legends of Chicago Hip-Hop Reunion.

The spearheads called on break dancers, graffiti artists, turntablists, sound engineers and, of course, rappers from over 30 years to celebrate in Hayes Park. The unification was created not only to honor those who’ve paved the way, but also to “re-capture the fertile imagination of the sometimes violent nature of Chicago youth.”

Hawthorne and Conley hope to encourage reunions in cities across the nation. In the meantime, check out how the legends celebrated in Chicago.

The Power of 50 and Robert Haack Diamonds will host the Legends of Comedy Saturday, Sept. 1, in the Todd Wehr Theater in the Marcus Center for Performing Arts, 929 N. Water Street. Door open at 7 p.m., with the show starting at 8 p.m. The Legends of Comedy will feature such funny men as J-Funny, D-Rock, Anthony Washington, Marlin Hill and Chris Barnes. Chastity Washington will host the event. Tickets are $27 and are available at the Marcus Center Box Office or online at marcuscenter.org. The show is a Von Communications Production.